Upcoming St. Nicholas Day Celebration

Popular Saint of Eastern Orthodox Christian Church has a rich real-life story and is held up as an example for modern holiday reflections on giving and charity.

Fargo, ND—Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church of Fargo will celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on Wednesday, December 5th with a Vespers service followed by refreshments and brief presentations. All events are free and open to the public.

The event will be held at the Pastoral Center and Chapel of the Roman Catholic Archdiocesan Offices in south Fargo (5201 Bishops Boulevard) beginning at 7:00 p.m.

December 6th is the feast day in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church for St. Nicholas, deemed the “Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia.” It is commonly understood that the persona of “Santa Claus” has its origins with the life of this saint. According to the Orthodox liturgical cycle, a Vespers is served the evening prior to the feast day.

Choral pieces commemorating the Nativity in the Orthodox Church may sound quite different than the Christmas Carols to which we are probably accustomed. The music, which in some cases dates back to the 9th century, is nonetheless poignant and rich with meaning and relevance to the holiday season.

2—Holiday Fasting in Orthodoxy—Presented by Mr. Lawrence Carcoana

Fasting during “the holidays” would seem out of place to most of us used to special holiday dainties served during this season of celebration. The Nativity Fast is one of the four major fasts observed each year in the Orthodox Church. The purpose of this practice will be explained.

A special reading to summarize the life and work of St. Nicholas will be shared.

The congregation of the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Fargo is extending a warm invitation to all to attend this traditional event. Experience the spirituality and atmosphere of the Holidays in Orthodox spirit and make this your Christmas-season tradition!

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ABOUT

D. Oliver Herbel, Ph.D. Herbel earned a doctorate in historical theology from Saint Louis University in 2007. He is a chaplain in the North Dakota Air National Guard and pastor of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Fargo, ND.